HomeNewsAdditional student housing on campus University of Twente

Additional student housing on campus University of Twente

In September 2023, housing corporation De Veste together with contractor Plegt-Vos, will start building three residential complexes on the campus of University of Twente. They will realize 114 additional residential complexes on the Boulevard of UT’s campus.

UT has a great interest in ensuring that there is a sufficient housing supply for students, to remain attractive and to be able to absorb the growth. The fact that there are not always enough homes available was evident in 2021 when there was an acute housing shortage, and temporary housing units were placed on campus. Although this scenario is not expected for the coming academic year, it remains necessary to expand the housing capacity for students in the region for the future. Nico-Tom Pen, portfolio manager real estate at UT: "As a technical university, UT wants to be able to educate more students for the labour market, where there is a great need for technically highly skilled staf. In addition to students from the Netherlands, the international students for Twente are of great importance. This is an increasing group. The student housing on the Boulevard responds to the need to provide our target group with sufficient and high-quality housing on campus."

Three buildings on the Boulevard

Three buildings up to four floors high will be built in the area. The current plans are based on 114 studios of approximately 25 m2 each. Three studios for students with reduced mobility will become available on the ground floor. Each floor will have eight or ten studios plus a common living room.

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The living concept is realized in a wooded area on the Boulevard. Special attention is paid to landscaping and building with an eye for nature. The goal is to preserve as many trees as possible, this has already been taken into account in the preliminary phase. In addition, new greenery is added after the buildings are ready, so a future-proof green structure is created again. The natural environment is extended into the architecture. A so-called Biophilic design has been created, in which natural elements are incorporated into the built environment. The material is a guest in the forest.

Part of the planting that has to give way is compensated in the vacant space near the High Pressure Lab on campus. The figure below shows where the three buildings will be located and how this relates to green area near U-track, sports center and Vrijhof .

The artist impression shows that the design contains many wooden building elements, so the buildings fit into a green environment. The energy concept is based on district heating.

Study and relax

Natural elements are reflected in the design of the studios through the use of colour, shape and materials. There will be a nice ambience to study. The social aspect of housing has also been taken into account. There will be shared cooking and living spaces to prevent loneliness. In addition to the social living areas, the elements for a suitable public location on the Boulevard are also devised by Plegt-Vos, De Veste and the students of the UT. Martijn Rink of De Veste: "We want the students to really feel at home in and around their residential complex and during their student days. A home where people live and study. Where students can develop and be happy. That's what we're committed to!"

Collaboration with students

Plegt-Vos, De Veste, UT and the students involved are working together to make the residential complexes a suitable home for students. The students are involved in the project from an early age. In the tender selection, Plegt-Vos appeared to feel the target group best. The naming of the three residential complexes has not yet been determined. Here as well, De Veste, Plegt-Vos and the UT find the input of the students important. The name will therefore be created in collaboration with students.

The residential complexes are expected to be completed in the last quarter of 2024.

drs. B.G. Lankhaar (Bertyl)
Spokesperson EB (Currently acting director Kennispark Twente)